Classic Mint Juleps

Though the author prefers his bourbon on the rocks, this lightly sweetened concoction is a classic that has been enjoyed throughout the South since long before the first Kentucky Derby. This rendition won our Test Kitchens' top score.

Ingredients

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

16 mint sprigs, lightly crushed

8 cups finely crushed ice

1 cup bourbon

Mint sprigs (optional)

Nutritional Information

Calories 170

Caloriesfromfat 0.0%

Fat 0.0g

Satfat 0.0g

Monofat 0.0g

Polyfat 0.0g

Protein 0.0g

Carbohydrate 25g

Fiber 0.0g

Cholesterol 0.0mg

Iron 0.0mg

Sodium 0.0mg

Calcium 0.0mg

Calories 170

Caloriesfromfat 0.0%

Fat 0.0g

Satfat 0.0g

Monofat 0.0g

Polyfat 0.0g

Protein 0.0g

Carbohydrate 25g

Fiber 0.0g

Cholesterol 0.0mg

Iron 0.0mg

Sodium 0.0mg

Calcium 0.0mg

How to Make It

Step 1

Bring sugar and 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan. Cook 4 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Remove sugar syrup from heat; cool completely. Place 2 crushed mint sprigs in the bottom of each of 8 glasses. Add 1 cup crushed ice, 2 tablespoons sugar syrup, and 2 tablespoons bourbon to each glass. Garnish with mint sprigs, if desired.

Step 2

Spirit note: Bourbon is America's original spirit, made primarily from corn with varying amounts of wheat, barley, and rye. Wild Turkey 80 ($18) may sound like your grandfather's whiskey, but this smooth yet rich bourbon with caramel sweetness, vanilla aromas, and a touch of spice is a superb foundation for a mint julep. For a lighter-bodied, fruitier, and gentler style, choose a bourbon with a lot of wheat, like Maker's Mark ($23). --Jeffery Lindenmuth